NYCkayaker Double Trouble Confusion

Tue May 19 12:35:33 EDT 2009

All,
   Some People have responded to me that they can't do this trip because it's the Memorial Day Weekend. Wrong! This coming weekend is that holiday, not the 30th & 31st.

Double Trouble
Cedar Creek/Barnegat Lighthouse Trip
Saturday/Sunday, May 30th & 31st

Please join Lee Reiser and Bruce Aptowicz for this either day, or both day event. 
You must work out transportation, accommodations and meals for yourselves, info provided below. All sites are approximately two hours from the GWB.
Print this entire letter and bring with you.

   On Saturday, we will meet at Bruce’s house at 8:00 AM (see directions below) to work out the shuttle, load/unload boats, then all drive to the launch. We will explore Cedar Creek in Double Trouble State Park. This is an approximate 5 to 5-1/2 hour trip through the scenic Pine Barrens of NJ. Gorgeous place, you’ll think you’re paddling in the South. Plus the publication, Weird NJ, has written some x-file type stories of a blow down site said to be caused by “UFOs” that we’ll check out.  Small creek boats or white water boats will be used, as they are best for the slow meandering current. Expect a couple of portages. Boats have limited storage so bring a small drybag for lunch and valuables. Good trip for novices. Check out:

www.cedarcreeknj.com

   On Sunday, we plan an open water crossing of Barnegat Bay from the nearby town of Barnegat, ($5 launch fee/car – so carpool), or drive over the Bay into Island Beach State Park to launch from there depending on the weather.  8 –10 mile or more round trip, dependent upon embarkation point at 9-10 AM 
You’ll have to call me Sun. morning to get to the appropriate launch. 
   See Diamondback Terrapins, over 40 pairs of nesting Ospreys with fledglings, other migratory birds and yes, Pelicans in NJ ! Dine in a restaurant (optional) and climb to the top of the 2nd oldest lighthouse in America for an amazing view. Not a good trip for novices.  Wicked cross currents and heavy boat traffic, Intermediate to advanced only, please. Check out:
www.islandbeachnj.org

   If attending for 2 days, you must have a creek boat for Sat. and a sea kayak for Sun. Or, you can do just Sat. or just Sun. with the appropriate boat. We have a few extra small boats on a 1st reply basis, but best to bring your own.
   Accommodations can be made for camping at Cedar Creek Campgrounds at the 1st web site link above. 
Tides for Island Beach, Sedge Islands, May 31, 2009. 
                                   Sunrise/set      Moon
Su  31     High   5:05 AM     0.4   5:31 AM     Set  1:20 AM      
    31      Low  12:40 PM     0.0   8:18 PM    Rise  1:25 PM
    31     High   5:50 PM     0.4

  The following from Bruce:
   I visited the Lacey Inn Motel at 229 Rte. 9 North in Forked River, NJ (609-693-4351) and the manager gave me a price of $59 plus tax for a single bed (queen) and $69 plus tax for 2 beds (I think they may only have 3 such rooms). Now let me be clear, this is a no frills motel which is one step above camping so other then a clean bed don't expect much more. If folks want more, they can google Forked River motels and get a listing but they all start over $100 for one bed. 
   Regarding dinner Saturday evening, I don't how you can beat Charlie Brown's in Forked River on Rte. 9. It has a great salad bar plus a nice menu and it's such a large place that it can accommodate a group.

   Directions to Bruce’s house: (Saturday)
Meet Sat. 8:00 AM  (93 Top Sail Court, Bayville, NJ 08721)
Garden State Parkway South to Exit 80, “Beachwood, South Tom’s River”. Take
Route 9 South (for approximately 2.5 miles, past Burger King on left, watch for and follow signs for “Ocean Gate, Mill Creek Park”). Follow jughandle around and cross Route 9. Bear right (second right turn after crossing Route 9) and immediately past a brown sign for Mill Creek Park, located on right side of road, turn onto Veeder Lane. Stay on Veeder Lane approximately 1 mile to Top Sail Court. Turn right onto Top Sail Court. House is # 93 on left; look for lighthouse.

 Directions to Town of Barnegat Launch: (Sunday Meet 9:00 AM)
Garden State Parkway South to exit 67. Go east on Route 554 toward Barnegat. 
At Route 9 Intersection proceed straight on East Bay Avenue for approx. 1.6 miles. The public dock is on your right. The boat launch is to the right of the dock.

  Directions to alternate Island Beach State Park Launch: (wind/weather dependent)
     NJ Turnpike south to GSP. Take GSP south to exit 82.  Go east onto Rte. 37.  Go over bridge and follow signs for Rte. 35 south (AKA Central Ave).  Meet at Betty and Nick’s Bait Shop/Restaurant for breakfast, (on right just past rotary with municipal bldg. in middle), Enter Park, (Carpool - $10 admission/car, ask for directions to FIRST launch WITH PARKING and ask for free map).

Lee Reiser
Home: 845-352-0162
Cell:    914-374-7954
Bruce Aptowicz
Home: 732-269-8438